Pushing for stronger social safety nets, Senator Bam Aquino has filed Senate Bill No. 269 seeking to expand the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and raise the monthly social pension for qualified elderly Filipinos to P1,000.
The proposed legislation aims to provide a reliable P1,000 monthly pension to senior citizens who currently receive no pension or receive no more than P3,000 monthly, establishing a predictable income stream for daily necessities, medical needs and emergencies.
Aquino emphasized that advancing age brings significant financial hurdles due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination and limited work opportunities. He noted that a steady stipend offers predictability, reduces financial anxiety, and lightens the economic burden on working-class families supporting elderly relatives.
“Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” Aquino stressed.
The proposal forms part of Aquino’s 10-point “Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay” legislative package aimed at lowering living costs for ordinary Filipinos.
Alongside SB 269, the senator also authored Senate Bill No. 2386 or the National Disability Support Act, which seeks a P2,000 monthly support allowance for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to help cover essential disability-related expenses.